The City of Santa Clarita is accepting names for the Youth Grove Memorial in Central Park, which is dedicated to honoring local youth who have died in traffic-related incidents.

(At right, Mayor Frank Ferry at the Youth Grove during a recent remembrance event)

The Santa Clarita Youth Grove is a half-acre memorial with 82 pillars, each representing a young life, age 24 and younger, whose life was cut short because of a traffic-related incident. Each pillar bears a plaque with the youth’s name as well as a reminder that the young person lost will always be “Forever 16”, “Forever 18,” or “Forever Young.”

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“The Youth Grove is an important component of the City’s efforts to remember our youth, educate the community about safe driving, and offer a place for reflection.  We have lost so many young lives on the road, and it is our hope that this graphic reminder will deter local teens from irresponsible driving,” said Mayor Frank Ferry.

To nominate a youth’s name to be included in the Annual Evening of Remembrance at Central Park on September 29, 2012, applicants must complete a release form, signed by the parent, and submit it by Friday, July 27, 2012. The release form is available on the City’s website at santa-clarita.com/blueribbon, or by calling Community Services at (661) 250-3708.

For more information on the Youth Grove, please contact the City’s Human Services Administrator, Janine Prado, at (661) 250-3708 or visit santa-clarita.com/blueribbon.